Chief Press Secretary to Imo State Governor, Mr.Chibuike Onyeukwu, on Monday fired back at those he described as “faceless authors evidently desperate to dress former Governor Rochas Okorocha in borrowed robes.

The reaction came shortly after a fake press statement credited to him surfaced online.

The full statement reads

“My attention has been drawn to a fake press release circulating on the social media, purported to have been signed by me.

“I wish to state categorically that the purported press statement did not emanate from me as it is the handiwork of failed detractors and criminal elements.

“The bogus press statement is riddled with mendaciously ridiculous claims and easily conveys the fact that its faceless authors were evidently desperate to dress former Governor Rochas Okorocha in borrowed robes.

“The poorly tutored impersonators stood truth on its head when they purported that His Excellency, Governor Emeka Ihedioha CON, commended Okorocha for “massive development during Okorocha’s tenure.” Nothing can be further from the truth.

“Again it smacks of plain lunacy to purport that Governor Ihedioha would describe his trusted ally, in the person of Hon. Jones Onyereri as a ‘distraction’ and go on to “advise Onyereri to drop his case against Okorocha.”

“The authors are clearly playing true to their character but Imo people are wiser and would not fall for their baby pranks.

“This wicked act has been reported to the appropriate authorities for immediate action.

“The general public is advised to disregard and ignore such press release.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/09/ihediohas-aide-fires-back-at-originators-of-fake-press-statement/

Close to N1 billion naria is deducted from the monthly allocation accruable to Imo State to repay 26 billion naria bail out funds given to the Okorocha administration by the Federal Government.

This was revealed by Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha in his speech to celebrate his 100 days in office in Owerri, Friday.

” It is worthy of note that with our wage bill at an average of N2.5b per month, almost N1 billion monthly pension bill and in an atmosphere of very low IGR, leaves little for development.

“This is compounded by the almost N1b statutory deduction on our FAAC, majorly for the repayment of the N26.8b bail out funds, given to the last administration” the Governor said.

He explained his administration’s success in various sectors such as education, health, power supply, youth empowerment, agriculture, sports and provision of affordable housing soon

He said within 100 days in office, the State Internal Generated Revenue, IGR, increased from all time low of about 300m in July to 600m in August which made the State qualify for performance based grants of the World Bank and other multinational development institutions.

According to him, workers salary has been restored to 100 percent, backlog of local Government workers paid.

He added that all unjustly suspended Directors, have been reinstated and his administraion has reversed some underserved promotions and sponsored officers to capacity building programmes.

Ihedioha said 14 critical raids are undergoing reconstruction while 70 Rural Roads network with a cumulative distance of 381 kilometers across 27 LGAs are under the Rural Access and Mobility projects, RAMP.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/09/bail-out-funds-repaymentn1-billion-deducted-from-imo-monthly-allocation/

Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, has said he will not interfere in ongoing investigations by relevant agencies against his predecessor, former Governor of the State, Rochas Okorocha.

Okorocha is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

In a statement signed by Mr.Chibuike Onyeukwu, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, he said he will abide and lead Imo State in the established democratic principles as enshrined in the laws of the land.

Ihedioha said he is conscious of the hate campaign against him.

“As a government, we are also conscious of the hate campaign against Governor Emeka Ihedioha, including but not limited to malicious allegation that he ordered the arrest of a citizen, the former Governor of the State, Rochas Okorocha

“Nothing can be further from the truth. The Governor, who has a distinguished career and concluded his legislative assignment as a Presiding Officer of the House of Representatives, has also built an enduring reputation for rule of law and the independence of the different arms of government”

Governor Ihedioha thanked the people of Imo State for keeping faith with his administration and believing in “our government to deliver on our promise to rebuild the State.

“So far our deliberate and measured steps are beginning to yield results

He promised that his administration will remain focused despite the provocations.

” However, we wish to calm frayed nerves and reassure the people of Imo State that despite all provocations and disruptive actions of a disruptive minority, we shall remain focused on our agenda anchored on good governance, rule of law, human capital development, and integrated infrastructural development.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/09/ihedioha-vows-not-to-interfere-in-okorochas-investigation/

The rate at which malnutrition has continued to rear its ugly head in Imo State is worrisome as stakeholders have urged all and sundry to be nutrition-conscious to stay healthy.

This as details of the level of malnutrition among children in the State emerged at a seminar held in Owerri


Speaking during the one-day Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) Pooled Fund Project Dissemination Meeting of Policy Brief in Imo State held at Newton Hotel, Owerri, the Facilitators of the event, Ngozika Ogbonna and Ambrose Evhoesor revealed that during their intervention in the state, the organization discovered that 16.9% of children under five years are stunted (too short for their ages), 7.1% of children under five years are wasted (too thin for their height) and that 10.9% of children under five years are underweight (too thin for their ages).

Continuing, as part of the policy brief, according to World Bank (2016) every dollar invested in nutrition intervention would yield between $4 and $35 in economic returns, adding that if the government of Imo State improves investment and releases funds timely for nutrition specifics and sensitive interventions, the proportion of those who suffer from hunger will reduce by 2015.

According to the policy brief, if the government of Imo State invests adequately in nutrition, there will be increased exclusive breastfeeding, reduction in stunted children under five years and increased Vitamin A supplementation by 2025, stressing that this will happen when there is accountability and transparency in the funding process.


The stakeholders wondered from the content of the policy brief, what the funds budgeted for nutrition are being used as there seem to be little or no disbursement across the budget lines to ensure that the budget of nutrition are appropriately utilized for the good of all.

They urged the state government to pay attention to the rate of malnutrition ravaging the state.


The meeting which was attended by the management staff of ministry of Economic, Statistics and Budget, Education, Agriculture, Imo State Primary Health Care and Development Agency, Health, Media and Civil Society Organizations.

According to Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey ( MICS), they revealed that Imo State seems to house large population of malnourished women and children under five in Nigeria with an infant mortality rate of 66 per 1000 live birth and an under five mortality rate of 96 deaths per 1000 live births.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/08/shocking-details-of-malnutrition-among-children-in-imo-revealed/

The reconstruction of the ancestral Eke Ukwu Owerri Market will commence in two weeks time.

This was revealed by Hon.Ebere Chukwuemeka, Chairman of Interim Management Committe of the Council at a Stakeholders meeting held at the Council headquarters, Owerri.

The market was demolished by the Okorocha administration in 2017.

He said the rebuilding of the market is in line with the campaign promises of Governor Emeka Ihedioha.

He stated that Owerri people had suffered so much pains during the reign of the past administration, stressing that Governor Ihedioha is commiteed to restore smiles on the faces of the people of Owerri Municipal.

Ebere enumerated the achievements of the Interim Management Committee since it was inaugurated two months ago.

He said five transformers will be made available to the five communities in the Municipality to aid in tackling the perennial power problems of the Municipality.

He recalled that last week one of the transformers was given out and fully energized to signal their commitment to solve power problems in the area.

He said the Council headquarters will be renovated to give it a befitting status as the number one LGA in the State.

He assured that soon the deplorable security situation in the State will be tackled as a security outfit tagged Owerri Municipal security guard will soon be inaugurated to fish out hoodlums in the area.

Hon.Ebere said new Health centres will be constructed and existing ones renovated.

As part of the Council’s resolve to repair the sorry state of roads in Owerri Municipal, he said the Council will embark on filling of potholes in the area.

He said some primary schools will also be renovated saying the Council in collaboration with SUBEC will build desks and chairs for some primary schools.

He called on Stakeholders to mobilise for the visit of the first lady, Lady Ebere Ihedioha to Owerri Municipal on Sunday.

In his remarks, the member representing Owerri municipal in the State House of Assembly, Hon.Solomon Anukam called for continued support for the Ihedioha administration.

He said the present government has the interest of Owerri people at heart particularly pensioners in the area.

He called on pensioners to be patient with the present government as they will soon be paid

The State Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, Ndukwe Nnawuchi SAN, said Owerri people will benefit immensely from the Ihedioha administration and urged them to remain supportive.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/08/owerri-municipal-chairman-reveals-when-eke-ukwu-market-will-be-rebuilt/

The social media has become a powerful tool for effective communication. Aside engaging people across the globe, it is an effective “weapon” that has influenced the outcome of elections across the world.

The U.S Presidential election readily comes to mind. Many attest how it contributed significantly to the emergence of Donald Trump as President of the United States.

Trump’s overwhelming visibility on the social media and “tailored narratives” could be identified as some of the major factors that shaped the outcome of the polls in his favour against a leading contender such as Hilary Clinton.

In Imo State, social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp became major online outlets for major players in the electoral contest in 2019 to market their aspiration.Blogs, regular online news outfits also aided in shaping and changing political narratives at random.

More than 70 percent of youths in the State and those who constitute the actual voting population are hooked to the social media with Facebook providing the biggest network of people. It was observed that the number of active social media users in the State actually had Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs to cast their votes.

Public office seekers particularly some governorship candidates who understood the power and efficacy of the social media took advantage of its unlimited and vast reach to either change political narratives prior to the elections and sometimes influenced public opinion/perception rightly or wrongly about the electoral process and political opponents.

It was carefully observed that issues leading to elections in the State were mainly influenced through the social media which led to giving some candidates good edge over other contenders.

In a State the rural dwellers have no access to the internet, those in the urban areas who enjoyed such access relied on information either accurate or false thrown on the social media to either inform, communicate the uninformed rural dwellers.

The 2019 governorship election in Imo State was hi tech to the core, with active online citizens engagement. Some candidates recruited social media “soldiers” who spared no effort in marketing the aspiration of their candidates.

It is on record that never in the history of the State has the social media played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of elections like that of 2019.

With no control over what goes in and out of social media platforms, it provided ample opportunity for candidates and political who understood its efficacy to explore.

It also offered a veritable platform to reach the unreached and at the same time ensured seamless intercourse between those who influenced the narratives and those who consumed it.

Mr. Emeka Dickson, a social media influencer who monitored elections in the State said the 2019 elections in Imo State was “won” on the social media before the actual voting.

“The narratives were generated and twisted on the social media even before the elections. This had great impact. Such narratives could have been tailored to either demonize or promote a certain candidate.

“It depends on how strong such narratives were narrated, generated, fed to the network and how far it went.

“In Imo State, some candidates really understood the power of the social media and they really deployed it to their advantage. When an issue is tailored against a candidate on social media platforms, it becomes a sticking point. It will take a lot to erase such impression either rightly or wrongly. And I believe this worked against some candidates and in favour of others.

“And because there is no effective control mechanism, the social media became an unseen “campaign ground” a loose canon at the beck and call of some of the candidates but what made the difference was who among the candidates deployed it more to his or her advantage

Mr.Dickson added that online news platforms also made great impact during the polls in the State “because it took on the conventional media in the race to disseminate information at rapid speed and precision.

“For the first time, we witnessed an overwhelming appetite for online news by a greater majority. This influenced a lot during and after the polls in the State” he concluded

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/08/analysis-how-social-media-changed-the-face-of-elections-in-imo/

The opposition in Imo State has been adjudged to be weak and feeble or simply put decimated on the basis that it is focusing enormous attention on the outcome of the governorship election held in the State on March 9, 2019.

The winner of the polls, Hon.Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in a deft move to weaken opposition forces has garnered more public appeal and support since he was elected Governor ostensibly part of his moves to consolidate.

Aside the camp of Governor Rochas Okorocha who have been battling to save it’s face from series of allegations bordering on alleged mis- governance, there is little heard about other opposition forces in the State.

Other opposition arrow heads such as Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Senator Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressive Congress, APC, and Uche Nwosu of the Action Alliance, AA, are all in court challenging the declaration of Governor Ihedioha as winner of the polls.

Analysts contend that two key factors could be responsible why the opposition is perceived to have lost it’s voice in the State.

Chief Sebastine Okenwa, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, attributes the weak posture of the opposition in the State on the grounds that Governor Ihedioha is one step ahead of the opposition because he has “covered a lot of grounds” in the course of championing his rebuild Imo Agenda

He said “Those who were left out during Okorocha’s regime for eight years have found political accommodation in the present government. What we have now on Imo is a government that believes in inclusiveness. A government of all.

“This weakens any opposition or makes it rudderless, a case of a dog that barks without biting.

“Governor Ihedioha understands the political elites so well that he has succeeded in co opting most of them in his administration.

“What constitutes the opposition in any sane clime are the elites.

“Okorocha was randomly attacked by the elites because he went solo and this gave rise to the persistent criticism of his administration.

“He did not help matters. He personalized governance which gave rise to his government been christened a government of my family, my family.

“For Ihedioha, his approach is different.And this tells you he is a firm believer in inclusiveness.This factor can really decimate any opposition.

Analysts further contend that despite the fact Ihedioha may not be moving on a snail speed expected, there is noticeable relief among a greater majority who believe that the government is on track and has shown indications that it will perform.

“When you asses the depth of rot and booby traps the government of the day encountered, you can only appreciate the little it has achieved so far.

However, the opposition elements contend what is key at the moment is to challenge the process that brought the present government to power and not to resort to criticisms of his policies on the basis that it has not even clocked 100 days in office.

Mr. John Uche said since majority of Imolites are in support of the present government, the opposition is bound to be weak and feeble at the moment.

“Opposition thrives when the government in power fails or seen to have deviated from the promises it made to those who elected them into power.

“At the moment, there is a new government in place and the masses seem to be very patient with it.

“It will be out of place if the opposition spring up from the blues just to attack government policies. No opposition leader will be taken serious If he or she indulge in such act.

“Our democracy has not advanced to the stage where there are embedded opposition elements. What we have are emergency politicians who migrate from one political party to the other to serve their interests during election periods

“In the UK and the U.S, we have permanent opposition forces who put the government of the day on its toes. It is not so here” he said

A careful look of the opposition in Imo State show they are more interested in elections.

“This is why you see so much adrenaline key opposition figures have put in at the Election Petition Tribunal challenging the election process that brought in the present government” said Mr.Austin Amadi

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/08/opposition-in-imo-weak-and-feeble-analysis/

By David Uka, Abakaliki

Following the recent outbreak of Yellow Fever in Ebonyi State, the State Government in conjunction with the International Coordinating Group(ICG) and all the United Nations agencies will
commence mass immunization campaign against the virus across all the 13 local Government Areas in the state.

The State Commissioner for Health Dr Daniel Umuzuruike who disclosed at a press conference in Abakaliki on the update of the outbreak said that International Coordinating Group (ICG) process has been completed for the mass immunization campaign.

Recall that there has been an outbreak of the disease in the State with some deaths recorded. The outbreak began on 15 July.

The State Government also announced mass immunization for residents of the state between the ages of 9 months and 44 years.

It added that those above the ages would get immunization booster

“Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) declared this an outbreak of yellow fever and reactivated the National Rapid Response team comprising NCDC, NAPHCDA, WHO on 1st August, 2019 to support our State.

“Summary of the situation report is that since the current outbreak of yellow fever, Ebonyi State has recorded a total of 9 positive cases with two deaths among positive cases.

“Presently, we still have six patients on admission; 3 in Ndingele MDG, 1 in Iboko General Hospital and 2 in Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. However, the index case has been successfully managed and discharged from MDG Ndingele.

“At present, ICG process has been completed for possible mass vaccination for all residents of Ebonyi state. The state Ministry of health is working with all the UN agencies and other partners to conduct mass reactive vaccination campaign for the state within the target age of 9months-44 years”, Umezuruike said.

The Commissioner who assured the residents not to panic said the State Government is working hard to prevent further spread of the virus in the state in conjunction with the developing partners.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/08/mass-communication-in-ebonyi-over-yellow-fever/

The Imo Awareness Coalition, IAC, has backed calls made by pan Igbo socio political organization, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo which called on South East politicians to begin preparations for the Presidency in 2023.

The IAC, a political study group said now is the time for South East politicians to “warm up” for the presidential contest in 2023.

Ohaneze Ndi Igbo had last week called on South East politicians to begin in earnest to prepare for the presidential race in 2023

President of the IAC, Mr. Emmanuel Okwu told newsmen in Abuja that there is nothing wrong if those interested in the nation’s number one seat at the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure in 2023, to kick start preparations for the nation’s top job

“We strongly support Ohaneze on this. I call it a wake up call. We must begin preparations now. We must have in mind that it is a task we cannot achieve alone.The South East had been natural political allies of the North and we must engage them and other ethnic nationalities when it comes to the issue of 2023 presidency

“It is not enough we sit down and complain. It is not something that can be achieved through intimidation and tough talk. Its all about constructive engagement and dialogue.

Mr. Okwu noted that politicians from the South East who are interested in the contest should begin now and start the necessary consultations.

“This is the time to start the preparations and necessary consultations. 2023 is just three years from now. Those in the South West and other zones who are interested have already started their foot work and marshalled out their plans to ensure they succeed.

“We must not relent or intimidated by the media noise that someone from the South West or any other zone has been penciled down to take over from President Buhari in 2023.

“This is democracy. And it is not enough for the South East to assume that it is their turn, then we go and sit down and hope we will get it at the snap of our fingers

“It is a contest and we must prepare for it.We are in support with Ohaneze on this. Those from the region who are interested should step forward” Okwu concluded

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/08/2023-group-gives-reasons-why-south-east-should-eye-presidencybacks-ohaneze/

No fever than 16 persons have been reportedly confirmed dead and many critically receiving treatment at a hospital following an outbreak of yellow fever virus in Ndungele community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The critical ones are receiving treatment at the Viruology Centre, Abakaliki and Iboko General Hospital Izzi.

Dr. Chris Achi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health in the State
who confirmed the report to newsmen in Abakaliki said the Federal Ministry of Health and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control have intervened on the matter.

“The virus invaded the community since July 15, 2019 before the information got to the State Ministry of Health who quickly moved into the area to avoid further spread”.he said

Achi, who regretted the death of the 16 persons as a result of patronage to quacks and use of herbs to treat the outbreak appealed to the people of the state to always access the health facilities located in their area.

According to him, a special mosquito called AEDES mosquito transmittes the virus to humans and it has three to six days
incubation period in human body.

“Yes that is why we appreciate the community early information to the
authority especially when they notice that there is unusual happening.

“We have always insisted that people should make use of our health facilities in every 171 political wards in Ebonyi State, where we have a health center that will serve them.

“Incidentally about 15th of July, somebody called me from one of the villages in Izzi Local Government Area that there is a way people are dying in the village that he is suspecting that something maybe wrong,
but I called health workers there who said no such case came to their clinic.

“I sent our rapid response team to visit the place, lo and behold when they got there, it was a case of yellow fever and unfortunately ,we have had about 16 deaths from the place. So we moved to the place,conduct case search, those who already had the symptom, we moved them
to the health facility at Ndungele and when it was serious ,we moved some to the General Hospital at Iboko and virology center here in Abakaliki.

“But the problem about the outbreak was that our people did not believe that they will go to hospital when they experience this yellowness of the eyes, they believe that they can be treated with local herbs that’s why we recorded causalities which should not have been.

“We notified Federal Ministry of Health and Centre for Disease Controlontrol. For the past two weeks, they have been in Ebonyi state to ensure control and they equally came with drugs and consignment.

“We are equally doing much to ensure that it does not spread to the capital city. Yellow fever is not transmitted from human to human. It can only be transmitted through Mosquito. There are forest monkeys that equally carry yellow fever virus and if mosquito bite the monkey and bite somebody in the forest it will pass the virus and if the mosquito bite another person, it will continue to transmit the virus
that is the way the virus spreads.Yellow fever comes with fever, typhoid and if it is not detected on time, it will start eating blood and the person will go to coma”,Achi explained.

He further recalled that in January, there was outbreak of yellow fever in Benue which is still being traced, even as he said that some of the affected persons are still under medical care while some have been discharged after proper medical examination and care,that the ministry is tracing the contact following outbreak of yellow fever in Benue in January this year.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/08/16-die-in-ebonyi-over-yellow-fever/

BY: GREG IWU

The opposition in Imo State has been berated for focusing only on winning elections, a major flaw why opposition leaders are docile.

This was observed by Imo Awareness Coalition, IAC, a political study group based in Owerri.

Speaking in Owerri, President General of the Coalition, Mr.Emmanuel Okwu, said the opposition in the State has shown a pattern of going moribund after elections.

He however singled out the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for putting up “feeble opposition” to the then All Progressive Congress, APC when the latter was in power in the State from 2011- 2019.

“This pattern has been on since 1999 when democracy returned to the country. Infact it was only the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP that played the role of opposition, though a feeble one when the All Progressive Congress, APC, was in power in Imo State from 2011- 2019.

The IAC President said most political parties who fielded candidates during elections in the State simply vanished into thin air after the polls.

” In 2019 elections, we had over 50 governorship candidates in Imo State. This implies 50 political parties were on the ballot. I believe most of the candidates went round the State to campaign to be elected and against the policies of the then government

“How come none of them is talking again after the elections? Not one of them. This is not healthy for our growth as a State and for development.No government can do well without the opposition.

” We need vibrant opposition. It is funny that after elections in Imo State, major political parties and their players go into oblivion. Most times we see those who lost elections go to the Election petition Tribunal.

“Challenging election results in Court is not opposition. It is far from that.Opposition is all about constructive analysis and criticisms of government policies which is a needed ingredient for good governance to thrive.

“Political Parties are strong vehicles for the opposition. You can see how vibrant opposition political parties are in the UK and the U.S. But here in the State, it is just an election winning vehicle. Where is APGA, APC and AA that were making all the noise during the elections. Funny enough they are all in court seeking to cancel results of the election that brought this government to power. This should not be so” Okwu concluded

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/08/opposition-in-imo-docileall-about-winning-elections/

BY: CHUKS OKORIE (AWKA), RALPH EJIMKONYE (ABUJA), GREG IWU (OWERRI

Recently the apex Igbo socio political organization, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, advised South East politicians to begin now to prepare for the 2023 presidential race. The group further advised they begin to reach out to other political blocs in order to realize their ambitions.

According to Chuks Ibegbu, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of Ohaneze, he said the call is borne out of the need to get the zone poised for future political permutations.

Part of the statement reads “We call on all presidential materials in Igbo land to begin early enough to build networks with political blocs, groups and individuals in other zones of the country in preparation for future political permutations

“Ohaneze believes and maintain that it’s just and fair after the North for power to shift to the South East” he declared.

The renewed call by Ohaneze is coming on the heels of serious interest in the 2023 presidential race by the South West especially from the zonal chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC. APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has been speculated to be interested in the contest in 2023.

Though he has severally denied the claims, political analysts say his body language indicates he may be eying the nation’s number seat after all. If this speculation remains so, then it put the South East in a tight corner to produce the nation’s president after President Muhammadu Buhari ends his tenure in 2023 considering the fact the South West is the stronghold of the APC.

The APC do have sorry presence in the South East and this could pose a hindrance For the region to firmly argue for the Presidency within the confines of the ruling party.

In the 2019 elections, it managed to garner about 400,000 votes for President Buhari allowing the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to hold sway in the region. It’s only stronghold in the region, Imo State also crumbled to the PDP. This also affected it’s chances to produce a single principal officer of the 9th National Assembly as the APC failed to field a South Easterner for any of the key positions of the National Assembly.

The call by Ohaneze might be a wake up call but for Igbo leaders in the APC scrambling for such position, it might be a herculean task.It is expected that the ruling party in line with the tenets of fairness and equity, should consider the South East for the Presidency in 2023 by the time President Buhari completes his tenure.

But worries have arisen how the APC has marginalized the region in areas of appointments which signpost the fact that it is not keen to hand over power to the region in 2023.

Mr.Ferdinand Anyanwu, a political analyst said the APC has shown by its action that it may not be keen to hand over power to the South East in 2023.

“Judging by the fact that the no one from the South East holds a key position both in the Executive and legislative arms of government, it is an indication that the 2023 presidency coming to the region is elusive on the APC platform

“If no South Easterner could be considered for Senate President, Deputy Senate President or even the Speaker of the House, is it the Presidency they will consider the South East for?

Mr.Chris Okebata, a chieftain of the party argued differently. He said Nigeria stands on a tripod and it flows that the South East should produce Nigeria’s President in 2023. irrespective of the political platform that wll aid in actualizing this mission

“The North would have completed eight years after Buhari in 2023. The South West had eight years under Obasanjo. The South South did six years under Good luck Jonathan.

“It is the turn of the South East in 2023. It is a golden fact.Ohaneze should be commended for that wake up call to South East politicians to begin now to prepare and reach out to other political blocs.

“It is not proper for anyone to allude that the ruling party will not consider the South East for the Presidency in 2023.

” If you move around the region, President Buhari has done a lot in areas of Infrastructure. Look at the Second Niger Bridge, it’s nearing completion. So many Federal projects are either ongoing or being rehabilitated in the South East

“I think no Igbo has been appointed in the inner circle of the Federal government because we voted poorly in the last general elections.

“You do not expect juicy appointments to come to a region who did not vote for the ruling party. Naturally, those who voted and brought the government to power, takes the big share of the appointments. This is not peculiar to Nigeria alone. It happens in the civilized world.

“It is a different story when you are talking of power shift. It is clear that it is the turn of the South East to produce a President after Buhari

“That is a fundamental issue that touches on the political firmament of the nation.Whether we voted for the APC or not, it is not an issue when we talk of the Presidency moving from one zone to the other.

“We must understand that power is never given, but taken. We cannot say because it is our turn, others will not go for it. That is a wrong assumption and we must come out of that cocoon. When the Presidency was zoned to the North, there were presidential candidates from the South and vice versa.

“Because it is a major issue, the South East will be in contention in 2023. The argument that the South East did not vote for the APC therefore we do not stand a chance to produce a President on its platform is neither here nor there.

“Obasanjo was elected President in 1999 on the platform of the PDP despite the fact the Alliance for Democracy, AD was in control of the entire South West States. So what is the difference then and now.

He said Ohaneze deserves commendation for the wake up call, insisting that it is only the ruling party that has the political firepower to achieve a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction in 2023.

He added that Igbo have their finest in the APC and one of them should be considered for the Presidency.

Mr.Frank Emetcheta however advised that the South East should not rely on the APC as the only political platform that will convey Igbo to the Presidency in 2023.

He said ” The South East is a stronghold of the PDP. We are at peace with the party. This was evident in the last two elections where the people overwhelmingly voted for the PDP. It is the only platform our people have embraced.

” It is a fact that the APC government has failed. The only State, Imo controlled by the APC in the South East also failed. This was evident in the last elections. APC could only garner 400,000 votes compared to over 3 million votes the PDP got. So you can see that if Igbo must produce a Nigerian President in 2023, then the PDP is the right platform” he concluded.

Mr.Reginald Igwe, said political platforms are not the first priority for the South East in the quest to have a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction in 2023.

” We must engage in handshake across the Niger. This is the most paramount. APC or PDP is not the issue. We must get the support of other ethnic groups and align with other support bases. This is key for now. Then we can take it from there.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/08/2023-presidency-analysts-speak-on-south-east-chancesodds/

Imo State is in debt to the tune of 97 billion naria as at March 31, 2019 and 61 million dollars as at June 2018.

This was revealed by Dr.Abraham Nwankwo, Chairman Imo State Financial Advisory Committee.

Nwankwo who spoke at a radio programme in Owerri said the Single Treasury Account, TSA, signed as a Executive Order O05, by Governor Emeka Ihedioha, was part of efforts to sanitize and streamline the State financial system.

He said over 250 accounts were operated by past administrations in the State.

” In a particular bank, we had over 100 accounts. Some of them opened with pseudo names and operated by individuals” he revealed.

Imo State Governor , Hon.Emeka Ihedioha, had signed Executive Order 005, to signal the take off of Treasury Single Account, TSA in the State.

” We are in a democracy. We are representing the interest of the people. I take this action to stem the tide of abuse of the system of governance in Imo State. We have started the sanitization of the financial process” he said

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/07/imo-state-official-debt-record-revealed/

The war of words between former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha and his erstwhile ally and one time Secretary to the State Government, Sir George Eche, took a new turn, Wednesday when the ex Governor lashed out at his one time ally.

Newspaper reports had quoted Eche, who had dumped Okorocha when the latter was Governor, saying that his former boss de marketed the All Progressive Congress, APC in Imo State.

Okorocha in a statement by his Special Adviser on media, Sam Onwuemedo, described Eche as “one of such Innocent but totally wrong political investments the former Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha made while holding sway as the Governor of the State”

The Statement accused the former SSG as “one of those recruited by the clique fighting Owelle Okorocha in APC, who had also promised to make each of them Governor and they bought into that 419 game.Otherwise, he would not have declared for Governor without printing posters and also failed in his booth in all the elections.He was not contesting election but was just a tool against a man who made him what he is today.

The former Governor in his reaction to allegations made by Eche that he (Okorocha)de marketed the APC, asked how did he (Okorocha) de market the party.

“Rochas Okorocha brought APC to the South East and made it thick. And that was why in 2015 it was only Imo that produced APC Governor, 24 out the 27 House of Assembly members, produced a Senator and four House of Representatives members.And in the presidential election, had 133, 253 votes and no other State in the South East had up to 20,000 votes

” In 2019, those who had ganged up against Okorocha recruited people like Eche and they all lost in their booths.And it is also in Imo that APC had up to 140,465 votes in the presidential election. And the 2019 elections made Nigerians to know who holds the franchise of APC in the South East.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/07/okorocha-tackles-ex-ally-eche-over-de-marketing-apc-in-imo/

Imo State Accountant General, Mr.Donald Igbo, has revealed how the present administration of Hon.Emeka Ihedioha set aside monies for 100 percent payment of salaries of workers last month.

Speaking to newsmen in his office in Owerri, Mr.Igbo however revealed how the past administration of Rochas Okorocha indulged and encouraged payment of bloated salaries to some workers.

He said this flowed from discrepancies from submission made by some of the ministries and agencies as regards payment of workers salaries.

“As directed by the Governor, monies were set aside for full payment of salary to workers. But some ministries brought in new things such as over padding.

He said such discovery was made when a committee set up by the present administration investigated the 70/30 percent modalities for payment of salaries reached by the past administration and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC

He said in such arrangement shocking discoveries not approved in the salary structure were discovered.

“Some claimed something personal was approved for them.Some of the people were having 200 percent as their salary.

Mr.Igbo stated that the salary structure of level 1-6 in some ministries was about 115 percent instead of what was contained in the NLC State Government agreement.

” Levels 8,9, 10, 12 got 94 percent which was less than 3 percent. Some of the workers were over paid. This was as a result of over padding and other issues that were brought in by the ministries.

” There is a commitee that will look into these issues. It is wrong for anyone to misrepresent the facts and say the Governor did not approve 100 percent payment of salaries to workers. Some elements are just portraying us in bad light.

He said the present administration would stick to paying 100 percent to workers.

Earlier in her remarks, the Head of Service, Mrs. Nma Eluwa, expressed the unflinching commitment of the State Governor to re invigorate the State workforce.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/07/imo-accountant-general-speaks-on-workers-salary/

As part of moves geared towards holding local government election in Imo State, members of the State Independent Electoral Commission, ISIEC, has been inaugurated by Governor Emeka Ihedioha.

He performed the swearing in ceremony at the Executive Chambers, Government House, Owerri.

The event was witnessed by former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim, Imo State Deputy Governor, Hon.Gerald Irona, Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Okey Onyekanma and other top government functionaries.

The Commission is headed by Barr.Julius Onyenucheya and is made up of six members.

Governor Ihedioha had assured that local government elections will be held in six months time.

He had constituted an Interim Management Commitee, to run the affairs of the Councils pending when elections hold.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/07/imo-prepares-for-lga-polls-electoral-commission-inaugurated/

With the defection of some members of Imo State House of Assembly to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, there are indications that more non PDP lawmakers may head to the party.

Before the inauguration of the House, the new Speaker, Hon.Chiji Collins had dumped the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA for the PDP.

Shorty after the inauguration, two lawmakers of the Action Alliance, AA, Hon.Lawman Duruji and Hon.Kennedy Ibe announced their move to the PDP.

The big move was the defection of the immediate past Speaker, Hon.Acho Ihim.

The latest to have joined the fray is Hon Micheal Onyemaechi Njoku, member representing Ihitte Uboma State Constituency. He is said to have left APGA for the PDP.

This newspaper was informed that more Lawmakers of the present House may just be on the move to the governing party in the State

One of the lawmaker who spoke on condition of anonymity said more decampees will move from the Action Alliance and the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA to the PDP.

He however expressed worry on its implications.

The source said ” More lawmakers will leave the opposition for the ruling party in the State.

“My worry is that we may be heading to a situation where the Assembly will have no minority or opposition parties which is very key in a parliamentary democracy.

“I can tell you that some of those who are eying other principal positions in the House who are in the opposition face the temptation to leave their original political parties for the PDP” he said.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/06/more-imo-assembly-members-on-the-way-to-pdp/

Imo State Governor , Emeka Ihedioha, says his administration is not oblivious of plans by enemies of his government to undermine it.

He spoke when he received Bishops and Archbishops of the Joint Council of Anglican Provinces, who visited him at Government House, Owerri, Thursday.

“Aside the stench in Imo that we inherited, we are also not unmindful of the fact that those who do not want peace for the State are already working against the government. But we shall remain focused in our bid to fix the State. We need your prayers in that direction” Ihedioha was quoted to told the Clergymen as contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr.Chibuike Onyeukwu.

According to the statement, the Governor charged the leadership of the church to work with the State to foster sustainable unity in the society.

While he thanked them for their prayers and support, he assured that his government will ensure that the rule of law prevails in all circumstances.

He also promised that his government will not play politics with the church or religion.

“Your prayers ushered us into office and only prayers will sustain us. I urge you to continue to pray for the success of our administration.

The Governor noted that the State and the Church are one, pledging to work in tandem with the Christian Community towards realizing the enormous task of rebuilding the State.

He reiterated his commitment towards fairness and justice to all persons and groups with the application of truly democratic principles and respect for rule of law, just as he promised to ensure that rule of law and honesty will be his watchword.

Earlier in his remarks, leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Council, Archbishop Caleb Maduoma, said they were in the State, not only to congratulate the Governor on his victory at the polls and successful Inauguration of his administration, but, more importantly, to pray for him.

He added that power belongs to God and it is only him that enthrones leadership and therefore advised him to work hard towards upholding Integrity, equity and avoid sycophants who will be handy to destroy his government.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/06/i-m-aware-of-plans-to-undermine-my-govt-ihedioha-tells-anglican-archbishops/

A yet to be identified woman reportedly abandoned her baby girl and fled after a successful delivery at a Primary Health Care center in Osumeyi in Nnewi South Local government area of Anambra State.

The suspect was said to have rushed to the center located at Obiuno village, at the point of delivery where she was quickly attended to by the medical personnel.

Journalist, however, learnt that the woman abandoned the baby few minutes after delivery and absconded to an unknown destination.

Confirming the incident, the Police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed said arrangements have been concluded to hand the baby over to government orphanage for custodial care.

He said, “On Monday 10/06/2019 at about 11:20am, a yet to be identified pregnant woman who was at the point of delivery rushed to the health care center.

“She was quickly attended to and fifteen minutes later she successfully delivered a baby girl while the nurses
left to attend to other patients.

Meanwhile, police operatives attached to juvenile and welfare unit Osumenyi division visited the scene and efforts efforts are been intensified to trace the fleeing mother in order to bring her to justice.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/06/mother-flees-hospital-after-delivery/

The immediate Past Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Acho Ihim, has given reasons why he strangely dumped Governor Rochas Okorocha and his son in law, Uche Nwosu and switched allegiance to Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha.

Ihim also ran as Deputy Governorship candidate on the platform of Action Alliance, a party Uche Nwosu was governorship candidate.

He said “he is constrained by the numerous entreaties from well meaning Nigerians especially from Imolites in various exalted and lowly places, the clergy, the professionals, higher authorities,the artisans asking me to do whatever is humanly possible and divinely edifying to ensure that His Excellency, Rt Hon.Emeka Ihedioha concentrates on the task of leadership and governance without frivolous distractions from a band of heartless and selfish politicians in the state”.

He continued ” if the relinquishing of my Deputy Governorship aspiration will bring the required reprieve and succour to Imolites, I will gladly relinqusih it and completely bow out of all court processes incidental thereto”

Ihim said the governance of Imo State is not the exclusive preserve of one “nuclear family or the wicked exhibition of master emasculation strategies of the people and subsuming of their wishes for one man’s selfish financial or fianacial aggrandisement”

According to a statement on behalf by his Media Adviser, Marcel Ekwezuo, Ihim apparently referring to Uche Nwosu, said there is end to litigation.

Uche Nwosu is in court challenging the victory of Emeka Ihedioha in the 2019 governorship election in the State.

Ihim’s defection to the PDP is capable of weakening the chances of Nwosu’s legal challenge against Ihedioha.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/06/acho-ihim-gives-reasons-why-he-dumped-okorocha-uche-nwosu/

The 9th Imo State House of Assembly kicked off with high level drama shortly after a new Speaker, Hon.Chiji Collins was elected.

Hon.Barr Okechukwu Onyekanma emerged Deputy Speaker of the House. Their nominations were unopposed.

This is just as the former Speaker of the 8th House of Assembly, Acho Ihim dumped the Action Alliance, AA for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Also Hon.Kennedy Ibe and Hon Lawman Duruji, all of the Action Alliance, AA also decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The new Speaker, Hon. Chiji Collins had joined the PDP from the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA.

This newspaper learnt that more decampees will join the Peoples Democratic Party in the days to come.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/06/drama-trails-take-off-of-9th-imo-assembly-new-speaker-elected-acho-ihim-others-defect-to-pdp/

The All Progressive Congress, APC, has received knocks for shutting out the South East from getting a key position in the leadership of the 9th National Assembly.

The group, Imo Awareness Coalition, IAC, in a statement in Owerri signed by its President, Emmanuel Okwu, said the outcome of NASS leadership election “is a clear manifestation that the South East occupies no place and has no future in the APC.

The group pointed out that never in the country has a particular region, particularly the South East, been excluded from holding any principal position in the National Assembly.

The group added that the APC failed to take cognisance of the nation’s diversity and it’s political configuration

“The exclusion of the South East from the leadership of the 9th National Assembly is against the spirit of inclusivity which has been the bedrock of the unity of the country” the IAC stated.

It said since the inception of the National Assembly in 1999, no region was excluded from the leadership of the federal legislature, stating that the ruling party failed to take cognisance of this fact and allowed itself to be driven by baseless political semantics to deny the South East a place in the leadership cadre of the ninth National Assembly

“The election of principal officers of the National Assembly where the South East was completely blocked from producing one of the principal leaders is also a clear indication that the ruling party does into give a hoot about the region.

“It is clear signal that the South East should bury the thought of aspiring for the Presidency in 2023 on its platform.

The argument that the South East did not vote for the APC during the 2019 general election thus does not deserve a key position in this era is a take for the birds, tales at moonlight and is not tenable.

“When Olusegun Obasanjo was President elected on the platform of the PDP, his home region, the South West, was dominated by the Alliance for Democracy, AD. Did such political configuration stop Obasanjo from appointing those from the South West into key positions of the Nigerian government.

” The APC since it came to power in 2015 has continued to demonstrate it’s disdain for the South East by scheming it out
.

The IAC made reference to the manner Rochas Okorocha’s Certificate of Return as Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District was immediately released by INEC, after the conclusion of the NASS leadership election, saying it is a pointer that there was indeed a grand plot against the South East prior to the National Assembly leadership election.

Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, has revealed that the poor state of Government House, Owerri has forced him and his Deputy, Gerald Irona, to function from their private homes.

He however assured the people of Imo State and the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN that his government will provide quality projects in the State.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chibuike Onyeukwu, the Governor represented by his deputy, Gerald Irona, spoke when the National leadership of CAN, led by its President, His Eminence Rev. Dr. Sampson Ayokunle, paid him a courtesy visit in Owerri.

The Governor said that Imo State is currently facing serious challenges, occasioned by the poor state of infrastructure and facilities in the Government House, which have forced him and his Deputy to operate from their private homes.

He said, “It is not in the habit of His Excellency Governor Emeka Ihedioha to engage or host government guests in his private residence. But we are facing tough challenges in the state. We inherited no suitable office and residence, so we decided to carry out our constitutional responsibilities from our private residences.

“No matter the challenges in the state, we are committed to moving the state forward”, adding, “that the people will soon heave a sigh of relief”. He also assured that he will keep to his promise of being fair to everyone, saying that there will be no witch-hunting of anyone in the state.

“I want to assure you that we will serve the people of Imo State with all our heart. It is true that in the course of carrying out our functions we might step on toes, but I assure you that it shall not be with the intention to witch-hunt but to rebuild and sanitize our state. We shall do it believing that we will keep to our promise to the good people of Imo State while we were campaigning, which was that we will be fair to all.

He also urged the apex Christian body to continue to pray and promote the peace and security of the country. “I believe that you are not unaware that this nation is going through serious challenges and God chose you to be the President of CAN at this point in time. I therefore enjoin you, alongside other men of God, to continue to stand In the gap.

Earlier, the National President of CAN, His Eminence Rev. Dr. Sampson Ayokunle, congratulated the Governor and his Deputy on their victory and successful inauguration and urged them to continue to be humble, adding that God likes humble disposition. He called on the Governor to realize that though he had won the election, he is a representative of God in the government.

He said, “God chose you for a purpose, not because you were more handsome or had more money than those who contested against you. God does not make mistakes. God does not look as man looks. He looks at the inside of a man and not at the outside. I want you to know that though you won the election and are in government, you are a representative of God.

“Remember the parable of the rich fool. Since God gave you this position, don’t boast. Be humble and do your work with humility because God loves humble people. People will provoke you but don’t boast. If you don’t boast, what God has given you is a tip of the iceberg, because God respects the humble”.

Some of the leaders of CAN on the visit were, Bishop Goddy Okafor, Chairman, CAN Southeast, Apostle Paul Ibeji, Chairman, CAN Imo State, Dr. S.C. Nwokolo Southeast Secretary of CAN, Apostle Agomuo Emmanuel, Chairman, CAN Abia State, Rev. Dr. Abraham Nwali, Chairman, CAN Ebonyi State, Rev. Dr. John Ndubuisi, Chairman, CAN Anambra State, etc.

On hand to receive the guests on behalf of the state government were, Mrs. Alma Eluwe, Head of Service, Barr. Chinyere Ibe, Solicitor-General of Imo State, Hon Jeff Ojinika (former member, House of Representatives, among others.
https://innonews.com.ng/2019/06/ihedioha-cries-out-reveals-how-he-deputy-gov-function-from-private-homes/

Imo State borm Master Okechukwu Lawrence has manufactured a local vehicle which caught the attention of Owerri residents who expressed delight at his invention.

He also designed other electronic gadgets.

His locally made vehicle has a remote señor which was also designed by him.

He is 14 years old and a JSS 2 student of Osuji Technical College, in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.

Speaking to newsmen in Owerri, he said his dream is to be a mechanical engineer and make impact across the globe.

He appealed to well meaning individuals, business Moguls, automobile companies in Nigeria and abroad to support his invention.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/06/imo-state-born-jss-2-student-manufactures-vehicle/

By David Uka, Abakaliki

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, has taken oath of office for a second term in office with a vow to build and consolidate on the foundations laid in the past four years.

Thousands of Ebonyians including National Assembly members were at Pa Ngele Oruta township stadium Abakaliki venue of the inauguration ceremony to catch a glimpse of the new Governor.

He inspected the guard of honour by men of the Nigeria police force amidst cheers from Ebonyians

He said his second tenure shall surpass that of the first tenure

“It has been my earnest prayer that the glory of my second tenure shall surpass that of my first tenure, consequently, we shall use the second term not only to consolidate on the achievements of the the first tenure, but to also expand our transformational agenda to the whole of Ebonyi State, especially the rural areas so that all the amenities that make life worthwhile shall be available at every nook and cranny of Ebonyi State”. He said.

“Our mission is to build and consolidate on the foundation we have meticulously and methodically laid in the last four years, with a firm commitment to the ideals of the founding fathers of Ebonyi State”

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/05/umahi-takes-oath-of-office-for-second-term/

Governor Emeka Ihedioha has promised to hit the ground running on assumption of office as the new Governor of Imo State.

In his Inaugural speech after he was sworn in as Executive Governor of Imo State, he said he has designed a template to guide him rebuild the State positively to enable all persons of Imo State extraction benefit and have a new lease of life. He said he will implement the blueprint contained in the report of the Technical Commitee.

As part of hitting the ground running, the Governor vowed to overhaul social institutions in the State: health, education, power, as well as create employment, pay pensions and salaries, etc and create an enabling environment for economic opportunities targeted at making life bearable for the people.

The Governor did not spare his predecessor, former Governor Rochas Okorocha. He accused him of impoverishing the people via greed, kleptomania tendencies, hatred, wickedness and incompetence.

” We will do what is right to Imo State and Imo will be revived, prospers again. I promise to be sincere, accountable with complete dedication to the service of the State, but God on our side we shall prevail, to restore faith and confidence in governance.

“We will not leave a day to set to work, hit the ground running.For politics, election is over, development now begins” he said.

He thanked God for his Grace in making him Governor to liberate the people from bad rulership and appreciated the people for democratically electing the PDP into office to superintend the affairs of the State.

Ihedioha was sworn in as Governor alongside, his Deputy, Gerald Irona at a ceremony witnessed by a mammoth crowd held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/05/governor-ihedioha-i-will-hit-the-ground-running/

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has said he is indeed worried over statements credited to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu and the South East Zonal Head of the Commission, Mr.Usman Imam that he (Okorocha) is being investigated by the Commission.

Okorocha reacting through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onweuemdo said the two statements made by the EFCC South East Co coordinator and the Commission’s Chairman is a clear indication “that those behind the drama over his Certificate of Return have not gone to sleep but have continued to spread their dragnets or tentacles”

The statement reads

“On Monday, May 20, 2019, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, Alhaji Ibrahim Magu was quoted to have told Journalists at a Press Conference in London that the Commission was investigating Governor Rochas Okorocha over the bailout fund.

“Also on Friday, May 17, 2019 the Commission’s Zonal Head for South-East, Mr. Usman Imam held a Press Conference in Enugu where he told the world too that the Commission was investigating Governor Okorocha.

“So, Mr. Imam holding his own Press Conference on Okorocha on Friday, May 17, 2019 in Enugu and the Chairman of the Commission himself Alhaji Magu holding his own press conference also on Okorocha, on Monday, May 20, 2019, and only two days after, raises genuine concern. And has also added fillip to the governor’s earlier worry that those behind the drama over his Certificate of Return have not gone to sleep but have continued to spread their dragnets or tentacles.

“If you ask us, we won’t join issues with the EFCC as an Institution and with Alhaji Magu as an individual. Investigating individuals, governments, institutions etc, is part of the Commission’s own rules of engagement and nobody should prevent them or begrudge them for doing that. We only pray that the Commission should not allow undue infiltration.

“Good enough, both Alhaji Magu and Mr. Imam never accused the governor of mismanagement or diversion, looking at the Contents of their Press Conferences. They confirmed that the Commission is in Custody of the money. Out of the N8billion they quoted, they also confirmed that N7.9billion is what they blocked. Then, what is Owelle’s case? And the governor is not owing salary.

“Mr. Imam also threw a kite which could not fly when he told his audience that if not for their timely intervention “Over N5billion would have allegedly been deployed in vote-buying by Okorocha’s administration”. How he arrived at that conclusion is what he never said. In other words, he believed what the petitioners wrote. Since investigation is still on, perhaps, at the end of it, the truth will become clearer especially when the incident happened long before the 2019 elections. And one could not have bought votes in the vacuum. Ultimately, vote-buying must be on the election day and perhaps, at the Polling Units where the voters were expected to be.

“Alhaji Magu is doing a good job as the head of the EFCC. But he should keep the 5th Columnists at arms length. He should not eat with them even with the longest spoon. With more than one thousand landmark and verifiable projects to his credit, Governor Okorocha must have managed the resources of the State in his time as governor with high sense of prudence. And for patriotic Imo people, he remains the Defending Champion of the Imo governorship since what he has achieved in eight years exceeded all that those before him had achieved put together.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/05/efcc-investigationokorocha-gives-reasons-why-he-is-worried/

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has expressed optimism that the Agriculture and Mechinary Development Institute, AMEDI in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise in Imo State, a project of the National Agency For Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, will go a long way in contributing to enhance food security in the country which is in line with desire of President Muhammadu Buhari to boost food security in the country

Onu who spoke when he inspected the project at the weekend said when completed, it will boost productivity in Agriculture. He also said AMEDI will encourage research and encourage Nigerians to design machines locally. He said with the help of the Institute it will also help in commercializing Agriculture with the involvement of the private sector.

He said through the Institute’s machinery, it will further boost agriculture production through mechnization, carry out design and research and allow the private sector to commercialize.

The Minister decried a situation where Nigeria was at one time rated as the world’s highest importer of rice, describing such situation as unacceptable pointing out that the project when completed will encourage local production through the use of locally made machinary

“This Institute will help us achieve the task of boosting food production. It will promote food security. It will carry out research and design. There is need to mechanize our Agriculture. Good enough the machines are on ground and they are locally made and once the project is completed, it will be beneficial

In her remarks, the representative of the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mrs Nonyem Onyeji, who is the Director of Policy Planing, Policy analysis in the Agency, said the Agriculture and Mechinary Development Institute, AMEDI, will aid in boosting agricultural production through effective use of locally made machines. She said the project was kick started in December 2012 and has been hampered by lack of funds until it was included in the 2018 budget, stating that the project will soon near completion.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/05/minister-inspects-naseni-project-in-imo-harps-on-gains/

The governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, in the March 9 2019 guber election in Imo State, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, may emerge a member of the Board of Trustees, BOT of the party.

APGA had at its last National Executive Council, NEC, removed Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano and Bianca Ojukwu, as members of the party’s BOT. It also dissolved the Board

The party also announced new dates for fresh congresses from the ward to the state levels. Its National Convention is expected to hold on May 31, 2019 preceding appointment of BOT members whose membership are expected to be ratified at the Convention.

The move is said to be aimed at re energizing the party in the South East region ahead of 2023.

Senator Araraume’s Destiny Organization is also said to have taken full control of the party in Imo State and will completely take over during and after the congresses.

A top party chieftain of the party who spoke on condition of anonymity said there are clear indications that members of the Senator’s Destiny Organization will “ inherit whatever is left of APGA in the State”.

He said “ members of the Senator’s political group dominated the newly constituted Caretaker Committee and there are clear indications it will be so after the congresses

Senator Araraume joined APGA after internal strife in the All Progressive Congress, APC forced him out of the party before the governorship election.

He placed third in the contest and has gone to court to challenge the declaration of Hon. Emeka Ihedioha as winner of the governorship election in Imo State.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/05/araraume-may-bag-apga-bot-post/

n line with claims by the Inauguration Commitee of Imo State Governor elect, Hon.Emeka Ihedioha, that the State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has not shown any commitment to the process, the commitee has resorted to self help by renovating the venue of the handover ceremonies.

The Committee had began emergency repairs at the Dan Anyiam and Grasshopper International handball Stadium, Owerri, venues where most of the activities leading to the inauguration will take place and the swearing in ceremony to be held on May 29.

Areas which received attention during the renovation include the handball stadium and the football pitch which had been in dilapidated state in the last eight years of the present administration.

This newspaper gathered that the renovation works is mainly funded by the Governor Elect, Rt Hon.Emeka Ihedioha.

A member of the committee told this newspaper that the State Government has not made a contribution or input in the rehabilitation process.

” We are focusing rehabilitation at the toilets. There are no functional toilets or bathroom in the entire complex and all the seats, barricades are being fixed. The drainage have been blocked for years and they are being cleaned up”

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/05/handover-inauguration-commitee-resort-to-self-helprenovate-stadia/

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has admitted that he never followed rules in governing the State in the last eight years.

According to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemedo, Okorocha spoke at a prayer meeting organized by Women Of Destiny Initiative (WODDI) with the theme “Thank You Jesus” held at the Imo International Convention, IICC, Owerri. He also confessed he went through so much troubles from the opposition.

“I must confess to you that we have gone through a lot of trouble and opposition to get to where we are today. Today the entire landscape of Imo is dotted with landmark and verifiable projects which are there for all to see…

“I also know that in the process of redeeming Imo, I did not have to follow rules. So my apologies to anyone whom I may have touched negatively in this process of governance.

Okorocah said he met a State that was in dire need of redemption and with little or no progress in development when he came on board as the governor in 2011.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/05/okorocha-i-never-followed-rules-to-govern-imo/